Tuesday is D-Day
We’ve spent this week working hard on the Newcastle bus station installation – it’s due to be revealed next Tuesday, so the last few days have meant numerous trips up to Newcastle to make sure that all is running smoothly and going to plan.
And it is! The installation is going well, and there is nearly three quarters of it ‘in’ at Eldon Square. It looks fantastic! I am buzzing about it at the moment, I have to say. You take time to plan these things right, work hard on the design, and when you actually see it exactly as it was intended to look, it’s so exciting! To see the client really chuffed with your work makes it all worthwhile.
It has all been a huge amount of work. I got this commission in August 2006 and it has been very well project managed and led by the client (Newcastle City Council). Not all projects are so well led, but their arts officer was great with chasing and this has made the deadline achievable on this large-scale project - there was a total of 110 square metres of architectural glass art to install! So we have a team working up there all week, into the evening, and they have been great. It takes four men to lift one section of a single screen – each screen is divided into three. So it’s big stuff, by far my biggest one to date.
I’m anticipating a lot of interest as a result of this. There should be a report about it going out on BBC Look North this week specifically about the artwork, and they’ve been filming the fabrication process also. I’m sending out press releases to local and regional newspapers and magazines but also to national specialist magazines. Creating interest before the event is important locally, and for further afield I’m waiting until we get some decent photographs (I’m using a professional photographer). I love the marketing side of it. It is very easy for an artist to only rely on their work but you have to get out there and show that you are an equal match for the rest of them.
I’ve also been updating my website this week, ready for the photos. Your website is so important as it is where you send your customers to look at your work. Some of the over-the-top websites around at the moment are so off-putting, just too flashy. The client apparently makes their decision in the first five seconds, and if they’re waiting for a page to load in that time, you’ve lost them.
So, before Tuesday, apart from a few further trips to Newcastle, it’s out of my hands – the fabricator is installing, the press is in motion – so bizarrely it’s a nice time for me, as the bulk of my work is done, and I can begin to see the results. It’s enjoyable. It will be tight still but I know I have done all I can.
March 27th, 2007 at 10:59 am
I’m new to the ‘blog’ so not sure how this works. Here goes. My wife makes vessels and objects from felted wool and she would like to sell the items she produces, promote felting and possibly bring people together who are interested in felting. We’ve discussed local outlets (we live in a tourist area) and possibly a website but really don’t know where to start. I was just wondering how you started out and whether you have any tips.
March 28th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Keith
Take a look at Andrew Marran’s recent blog for some great advice on starting up, but do also give us a ring at Business Link York and North Yorkshire (01904 68 6000) so that arrangements can be made for you to see an adviser who will be able to help you more.
March 29th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
Hi Keith
Your wife’s work sounds very interesting. I think the first thing for her to do is to go on some business start-up courses. There is a lot to take in initially and it may seem quite off-putting especially for non-business-minded artists but stick at it - there is a lot of new business support out there and Business Link is the best place to start. If you wish to start selling, it is vital to see your art as a business. To this end, you need to register as self-employed; write a business plan (including your short and long term plans and an analysis of your competition); and create a simple but eye-catching website. Hope this helps. Keep your eye on the goal!!